Wojciech Krzaklewski

Selected Physico-Chemical Properties of Zinc and Lead Ore Tailings and their Biological Stabilisation

The following work focuses on problems and possibilities for revegetation of zinc and lead ore tailings in the Mining and Metallurgic Plant ‘Boleslaw’ in Poland, and on selected physical and chemical properties also regarding the vegetation, which spontaneously appears on the ponds. It was found that main factors impeding the development of vegetation are excessive contents of Zn, Pb, and Cd, as well as eolian erosion and deficiency of macroelements. The results of biological fertilisation tests were discussed in particular with regard to the deficiency of macroelements and the immobilisation of Zn, Pb, and Cd. Pot and field experiments permitted determination of this kind of interaction with doses of mineral fertilization ensuring plant growth. Plants were introduced to the sediment without a layer of insulation. The obtained results, along with some thorough research into the conditions prevailing on the sedimentation ponds, may be used as a basis for the biological stabilisation of this kind of waste material.

Soil organic matter, C and N accumulation during natural succession and reclamation in an opencast sand quarry (southern Poland)

Abstract The work presents study results on the formation of humus horizons, the accumulation of organic carbon and nitrogen as well as humus composition in successional and reclaimed soils in a sand mine cast in southern Poland. Research plots were designed in chronosequence: 5, 17, 20 and 25 years. Increased thickness of humus horizon and accumulation of organic carbon was reported both in successional soils and in reclaimed soils. However, in corresponding age groups of reclaimed soils these characteristics were two times as high as in successional soils. The estimated accumulation rate of organic carbon (Corg) was three times higher and total nitrogen (Nt) five times higher in reclaimed soils than in successional soils. In both types of soils there was an increase in the amount of carbon trapped with humic and fulvic acid (CHa + CFa) and structure of humic acids. Studies indicated that reclamation treatment significantly accelerated soil-formation in opencast sand mine.

Assessment of english oak (Quercus robur L.) growth in varied soil-substrate conditions of reclaimed Piaseczno sulfur mine dump

Abstract This study presents selected tree stand features and stand productivity of the English oak (Quercus robur L.) growing in the conditions of a reclaimed external dump of Piaseczno sulfur mine in Tarnobrzeg mining area. Following 40 years of growth in the dump, the oak trees reached first and second bonitation class and good growth parameters. The oak obtained the highest stand volume and basal area on sandy soils and loamy-sand substrates. A significant negative correlation between high clay content in soil cores and tree stand parameters was observed, indicating unfavourable impact on tree growth. The results confirmed the usefulness of the English oak as the main (target) species in the conditions of sulfur dumps, and the suitability of its introduction with preliminary identification of micro-habitat differentiation.